New Delhi: The Assam and Bihar governments have announced the withdrawal of cases registered against NEET protesters, following pressure from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had warned that it would resume its agitation if legal action against students and demonstrators continued.
Assam on Monday confirmed that all five cases registered in connection with protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET UG examination would be withdrawn. The state Home Department said no adverse legal action would be taken against those involved in the demonstrations, and the process of withdrawing the cases would begin in accordance with legal procedures.
The government also said arrests made during the protests would be reviewed, with those detained to be released after completing the required formalities. At least 13 people had been arrested in the state in connection with the agitation before the announcement.
Bihar also announced a similar decision, stating that all cases filed against NEET protesters would be withdrawn and those arrested during the demonstrations would be released immediately. The state Home Department said no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against individuals who participated in the protests before 6 pm on July 26.
The government added that all FIRs, criminal complaints and show cause notices issued against protesters would be withdrawn. During the Bihar bandh called on July 25 by pro Left student organisations, police detained 694 people. Of them, 339 minors were released, while the remaining 355 individuals were booked under various legal provisions. The state has now ordered the release of all those detained in connection with the protest cases.
The decisions came after the CJP insisted that all legal cases against students, organisers and supporters linked to the NEET paper leak agitation be withdrawn. The party said the issue had been discussed with the government during negotiations before its 36 day protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar was called off.
CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the government had agreed to withdraw existing FIRs and refrain from registering fresh cases against protesters. He added that the organisation was awaiting a written assurance after legal consultations and warned that the agitation would resume if the agreement was not implemented or if protesters continued to face legal action.
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